Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 88: Is That Invitation Still Open?

With Raymond out of the way and my name restored, I left the pack courtyard and the trial and ran straight to the packhouse to check on Warren.

“Ciana, you’ re okay,” he said with a relieved sigh. “Slow down. Thank you again for coming back for me.’

“No, Warren, I should be thanking you. You helped me so much. I’m sorry that you went through all of that. I don’t know what I can do to repay you,” I blurted out, squeezing his hand.

“Silly girl! We’ re friends, right? That’s what we do. You have no idea how worried I was about you. When you fainted and they took you away…” Warren ‘s face wrinkled at the bad memory. “Thank the Goddess you are unharmed.”

He opened his arms like he was going to hug me.

Someone cleared their throat behind us and I saw Theo, or Tallis as he was still pretending to be, standing against the nearest packhouse wall. He was glaring at Warren.

Theo?” Warren asked.

“I’m not Theo!” he hissed moodily. “My name is Tallis.”

“Oh…” Warren stared at him for a moment, and murmured to himself, “Sorry, you remind me of my brother. I mean, you look different, but just…’

I jumped in, “Warren, believe me, I was confused at first too. But this is Tallis. He’s Nelson’s brother. Nelson is the car-

nival director,” I said, covering for Theo. I figured he probably had a good reason to keep his identity a secret, even from his own brother.

“Hmm. Well, you are dressed like you work with Nelson,” Warren said with a chuckle. He turned back to me, looking at me with deep, emotional eyes.

“Yes, he does, doesn’t he? I don’t think Prince Theo would ever wear colors like that,” I said, giggling and giving Theo a challenging look.

Theo snorted and looked away from me.

“I heard my name,” Nelson arrived with a concerned look on his face. “Geez, Tallis, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. They told me you’re at the packhouse. The carnival is packed up. Are you ready to go or what?”

“I’m ready,” Theo said stiffly.

“Great. Well, say your goodbyes and let’s get going. We’re all waiting on you,” Nelson said. He clapped his hands to hurry Theo along.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing, seeing the dark, dangerous look in Theo’s eyes. If Nelson wasn’t careful, he’d end up dealing with the Dark Prince.

Theo glanced at me and crossed his arms. He gave a final nod and left after Nelson. It was already getting late and if he hung around too long, it would seem suspicious. Especially if he kept hanging around me.

“Warren, how are you feeling?” I asked, turning back to Warren.

He still looked a little pale and dirty. I hoped after a nice shower and some fresh clothes, he’d look and feel better,

Warren sniffled and rubbed his head.

“Honestly, I’ve got a bit of a headache. I’m not sure if I’m getting sick or I just need good food,” he admitted.

Warren and I headed back to my parents’ house. As we went, he started sniffling more and rubbing his temples. He was definitely sick.

got him set up in one of the guest bedrooms. “You probably just need a good night’s sleep and some hot food. I’ll make sure to get you a good dinner. I’m just going to run

you,” Warren murmured, his

that Theo would want to know and maybe would send Warren back to the palace. I hurried after Theo to where the carnival had

nothing left except a few pieces of trash. Sighing, I kicked at an old can. I wondered where they were going next and how long it

asleep when I got back to the

mug of tea and water. It

settle down. I was happy to

8B. That Sol’

for Warren one morning, I headed off to Susan’s gravestone in the pack cemetery. Her death had been avenged, but I still

my hand on her grave

how sorry I am that you were killed because of me. Raymond is gone, though, and I think he suffered.

are,” Warren said, coming up

pulled my hand from the grave and looked at him. “I

well,

are. Thanks again. You look quite energetic. Feeling 100% now?” I asked, addressing the

belly. All the color had returned to his cheeks and he was

morning was fantastic. Who needs medicine with

No one had ever praised my cooking before. I couldn’t tell

stepped up to help or ganize the pack,” Warren added, getting back

88. ISThai

through the pack territory. It was a nice day with warm morning sun shining down

left to cause problems. I keep going to their meetings, but every time they have it all under control. I hardly have anything

do ing better. It makes me feel better about asking,”

“Asking what?”

What could Warren want to

pack from here. I’d still like to do that now that Raymond isn’t a threat. I wanted to

I keeping you from visiting your sister?”

glad I took time to

bit my lower

sister married to the alpha of

with my parents, and) r membered liking the territory and thinking it

you say?” Warren nudged

have settled in the pack, it would be a pleas ant change from

that hopeful, bright look in his eyes. Clearly, he still held some affection for me. If I went with him, he might think I had feelings for him, too. I didn’t want to give Warren the wrong message. It probably wasn’t a great idea to spend

family in pack territory at the moment. My pack was still vulnerable and

Warren, I should really stay here until my parents get back.

and I could see he was disappointed.

said,

or Murray needed me for anything. I was impressed with how well they were handling things, but I still wanted

so sad,” I heard

88′ That Open?

of the

that Tallis… so handsome. I

bad. They